Auto drivers seek more time to recalibrate meters

An autorickshaw drivers association has filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court stating only 39 mechanics are available to recalibrate the electronic digital fare meters after the fare hike and it is not possible to complete the assignment by October 15.

It has now sought the quashing of a portion of a G.O. of August 25 directing that autorickshaws be fitted with recalibrated electronic digital meters according to the revised fare structure, and with reference to cancellation of permit and seizure of vehicles in case of default.

When the matter came up before Justice K.K. Sasidharan, the government advocate took notice. The court posted the matter for further hearing on October 7.

In a petition, the Vada Chennai Mavatta Auto Ottunargal Padukappu Sangam (North Chennai auto drivers association), represented by its general secretary, M. Anandan, said the cut off date for autorickshaws to get the meters recalibrated is October 15.

However, there were only 39 authorised meter mechanics in Chennai and nearly 74,000 autorickshaws in the city.

The association submitted a representation dated September 18 to the authorities.

The impugned G.O. fixing the cut-off date was highly improper as it had been done without considering the practical difficulties, the association said.